A new digital reading platform is giving Filipinos another way to access local literature, as Precious Pages Corp. introduces ‘CAT-HA’, an app that features Filipino e-books, including titles available for free.

CAT-HA, previously called Precious Pages iReader, lets users browse and read books using their mobile devices, with romance novels among the titles available on the platform.

Readers can also check the app’s “Free to Read” section, which provides selected e-books without charge.

Precious Pages Corp. President Segundo Matias Jr. said the free reading initiative is intended to help Filipinos who have limited access to books and other reading materials.

“Alam naman natin ‘yung crisis na marami sa mga Filipino ang hindi nakakapagbasa,” Matias said. He said it is unfortunate that some Filipinos cannot afford books or do not have access to reading materials.

Matias said providing free digital reading options is part of his efforts in publishing to give more Filipinos the opportunity to read.

“Kaya ‘yung mga ganitong klaseng initiative, tulad ng app na libre, malaking bagay,” he said.

CAT-HA also aims to expand its content beyond romance novels, with plans to include more genres and other types of reading materials.

“Ang objective namin, sana magkaroon ng app na sari-saring genre na rin ang mababasa ninyo,” Matias said. “In the coming months and years, sana pati comics, children's books, at lahat na.”

“We tried to fit in everything here, na kapag binuksan mo ‘yung CAT-HA, nandun na,” he added.

The local e-reading app is available on the Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Huawei AppGallery.

The app carries the tagline, “Discover and enjoy Filipino e-books anytime, anywhere.”